Goodyear strike: No effects yet on GM, Chrysler

By Robert Sherefkin, Automotive News

Detroit, Michigan - A nearly four-week-old strike against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is having little or no effect on the tyre maker's ability to supply General Motors and the Chrysler group, the automakers say.

Goodyear is Chrysler's largest tyre supplier and GM's second-largest tyre supplier, according to data from ERJ's sister magazine, Tire Business.

GM spokeswoman Deborah Silverman said Friday, 27 Oct. that the combination of production by Goodyear's salaried employees at the 16 tyre plants struck Oct. 5 and production by alternative suppliers have eliminated potential shortfalls. She did not identify the other suppliers. GM's largest supplier is Bridgestone-Firestone, and Continental-General ranks third, according to Tire Business.

Chrysler spokeswoman Mary Beth Halprin said the automaker is working with Goodyear to assure supplies: "Production has not been impacted, and we don't foresee a problem in the short term."

From Automotive News (A Crain publication)